I am in the market for a new washer/dryer. I did some research on the internet and decided to go with a toploader whirlpool (great reviews). However, when I went to the store to order, I made a rather rash decision. I really liked the larger stainless steel tub of the Maytag and ordered it instead. Now I am reading lots and lots of reviews that Maytags are "junk". Does anyone have some advice or past experiences dealing with this. And if you do - specifically what models did you like. Thanks.
Maytag vs Whirlpool Toploaders
- Thread starter msf59
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maytagbear
Well-known member
Maytags
are not what they used to be. However, individual units can, and do, vary. My Maytags are from 1997, and I have never had any trouble with them.
Maytag lost focus on being the best made at a fair price. They kept the price, but lowered the build quality.
I do agree with the general consensus about Whirlpool being the best top loader these days.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
are not what they used to be. However, individual units can, and do, vary. My Maytags are from 1997, and I have never had any trouble with them.
Maytag lost focus on being the best made at a fair price. They kept the price, but lowered the build quality.
I do agree with the general consensus about Whirlpool being the best top loader these days.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
peterh770
Well-known member
If you like the WP, then consider GE whose quality has taken quite a leap forward. These are short, fast agitation machines.
If you like Maytag, consider SQ, as it is more sturdy since it has a longer proven ground in coin laundries. These are 180 degree classic agitation machines.
If you like Maytag, consider SQ, as it is more sturdy since it has a longer proven ground in coin laundries. These are 180 degree classic agitation machines.
toggleswitch
Well-known member
Which is more gentle ?
Short and fast or long and slow?
(And please, it is a serious straight-forward question!)
Short and fast or long and slow?
(And please, it is a serious straight-forward question!)
westytoploader
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
Any of the perforated-tub Speed Queens (be it old or new) are very gentle machines and don't have a particularly fast stroke either on high speed; I think it's even slower than their solid-tub predecessors! So needless to say there won't be any shredding with one of these!
I myself like long strokes; they're ALWAYS gentle and more fun...
to watch, that is.
*Ducks and runs*
I myself like long strokes; they're ALWAYS gentle and more fun...
to watch, that is.
*Ducks and runs*
irishwashguy
Well-known member
I would say that the Maytags have gone down hill----
If it were between Maytag VS Whirlpool, then truely i would say Whirlpool. Many years ago, Maytag got greedy.Whirpool got inovative and afordable.i had a Maytag Neptune, and it was a piece of junk. This particular machine drove the company into a position where now they are owned by Whirpool. I personally would think that if you were going to get a TL, i would also consider the Speed Queen.I have used one of these myself many times, they are quality w/ a stainless steel tub, as well , that includes the dryer. They are also in alot of comercial laundries.
If it were between Maytag VS Whirlpool, then truely i would say Whirlpool. Many years ago, Maytag got greedy.Whirpool got inovative and afordable.i had a Maytag Neptune, and it was a piece of junk. This particular machine drove the company into a position where now they are owned by Whirpool. I personally would think that if you were going to get a TL, i would also consider the Speed Queen.I have used one of these myself many times, they are quality w/ a stainless steel tub, as well , that includes the dryer. They are also in alot of comercial laundries.
toggleswitch
Well-known member
Which is more gentle ?
The reason I ask is that my new GE T/L-er is very fast and short in agitation; yet they are so proud of their *German engineering*.
I like the older, slower GE FF and the Maytags agitation much better.
(Well, at least we know that the *new* way requires less time to get the job done).
The reason I ask is that my new GE T/L-er is very fast and short in agitation; yet they are so proud of their *German engineering*.
I like the older, slower GE FF and the Maytags agitation much better.
(Well, at least we know that the *new* way requires less time to get the job done).
toggleswitch
Well-known member
Great video Glenn. Thanks.
Awesome amchine, and yes I personally like that style of agitation.
Awesome amchine, and yes I personally like that style of agitation.
tecnopolis
Well-known member
I personaly love MaYTAGS. unless your getting a GE Profile with the stainless steel "extra action tub", they are kinda junky. I don't like suspended tubs like the GE. the Maytag has a "pin point" balancing system which is sturdier. Here's a test, grab the GE's agitator and pull it back and forth. try the same on the Maytag and you will see what I am talking about. Either way, Top loaders are fun.
tecnopolis
Well-known member
GE Profile w/extra-action tub.
Maytag
Everyone I know has had to have the couplers, on their Whirlpools replaced, often more than once. The Whirlpool is loud and the agitator clack, clack, clacks to insantity. My sister has a Whirlpool and my mom used to. I purchased the Atlantis set in 2000 and it has never given a moments trouble. It is quiet and makes a breathy whooshing sound. It has larger usable capacity than the Whirlpool and the clothes are very clean at the end of the cycle. Mom bought the current Maytag, the first year, Performa was sold and she has never had any trouble. She washes load after load of jeans because of Wrangler sponsoring their rodeo company and they insist the cowboys look great! (Why are Cowboys such rotten lovers! They all think 8 seconds is a long ride!) I would enjoy the Maytag and rejoice that the spirit God of washers lead you to change your mind. If you are 1/10 as pleased with your Maytag as I am with mine, you'll be very well pleased. I purchased a set of Maytags in 1970 for my mom, my first set in 1977 and my last set in 2000. I have known the past and the present. Nothing is what it used to be. We have to accept that if we are going to age gracefully.
Kelly
Everyone I know has had to have the couplers, on their Whirlpools replaced, often more than once. The Whirlpool is loud and the agitator clack, clack, clacks to insantity. My sister has a Whirlpool and my mom used to. I purchased the Atlantis set in 2000 and it has never given a moments trouble. It is quiet and makes a breathy whooshing sound. It has larger usable capacity than the Whirlpool and the clothes are very clean at the end of the cycle. Mom bought the current Maytag, the first year, Performa was sold and she has never had any trouble. She washes load after load of jeans because of Wrangler sponsoring their rodeo company and they insist the cowboys look great! (Why are Cowboys such rotten lovers! They all think 8 seconds is a long ride!) I would enjoy the Maytag and rejoice that the spirit God of washers lead you to change your mind. If you are 1/10 as pleased with your Maytag as I am with mine, you'll be very well pleased. I purchased a set of Maytags in 1970 for my mom, my first set in 1977 and my last set in 2000. I have known the past and the present. Nothing is what it used to be. We have to accept that if we are going to age gracefully.
Kelly
Belt drives Rule---No shredding short strokes-the long Slooowww strokes are best.If I were to buy a new TL-would go with the Speed Queen.Many commercial "smaller users" use the unmetered ones --this would be beauty and barbershops.
Isn't the new generation of junky Maytags a reworking of the old Norge design?
And are or aren't the new GE's made by Whirlpool/Sears?
And are or aren't the new GE's made by Whirlpool/Sears?
jasonl
New member
I've always had a guilty interest in those GE SS machines. Some of them do spin at 850rpms as well (I think).
GE vs Maytag
The GE is a fine machine. The agitation is most like the Whirlpool, quick and short. The GE tub appears deeper and more narrow, than the Maytag. The GE is at least twice as loud as the Maytag, in motor noise and with the noticable clack clack clack of the agitator. The washer increases significantly in noise as it ages, much like the old Hotpoints were known for. My sister in law bought hers the first year of the redesign with the larger plastic tub. She has yet to have a repair but it really sounds bad.
The Maytag has a larger opening and a wider tub, which is a slight advantage is loading and unloading. The Maytag is quieter than the GE and makes a breathy whoosh sound with out noticable agitator clack. The agitation stroke is longer and slower and in my opinion creates better roll over. In my experience, the Maytag spins dryer than the GE. At the end of the day, I believe the machines are about similar in durablity and washability. It is going to end up being a choice of who gives the best service, locally, is noise an issue and which machine grabs your fancy. If noise is an issue, the Maytag wins, hands down.
Kelly
The GE is a fine machine. The agitation is most like the Whirlpool, quick and short. The GE tub appears deeper and more narrow, than the Maytag. The GE is at least twice as loud as the Maytag, in motor noise and with the noticable clack clack clack of the agitator. The washer increases significantly in noise as it ages, much like the old Hotpoints were known for. My sister in law bought hers the first year of the redesign with the larger plastic tub. She has yet to have a repair but it really sounds bad.
The Maytag has a larger opening and a wider tub, which is a slight advantage is loading and unloading. The Maytag is quieter than the GE and makes a breathy whoosh sound with out noticable agitator clack. The agitation stroke is longer and slower and in my opinion creates better roll over. In my experience, the Maytag spins dryer than the GE. At the end of the day, I believe the machines are about similar in durablity and washability. It is going to end up being a choice of who gives the best service, locally, is noise an issue and which machine grabs your fancy. If noise is an issue, the Maytag wins, hands down.
Kelly
panthera
Well-known member
deep, long, slow strokes are what I like
In the end, all modern machines wash well.
The real questions are:
How much damage do you want done to your clothes?
Do you have a reliable service/parts provider close to you? - all modern US machines break more or less continuously.
Do you need to save water/energy/detergent?
If you have a good repairperson for Whirlpool nearby, than even that most-horrid-of-all-brands is the best choice - because you can get it repaired fast. It will break often, of course.
If you have no or only limited access to repair/parts in your area, then you should think very very hard about either pre-90's Maytags or, if new, LG, Miele or Bosch.
Any of the four will run forever without trouble.
If you wash a lot of delicates or your clothes need to last a long time - but are also very dirty, then your best choice is a front loader with water heater built in. Takes longer, but is gentle and cleans best.
If you wash normal clothes that aren't really too dirty, then it doesn't matter too much whether short or long strokes - the clothes will be in the machine for too short of a time for it too matter. But if you have normal clothes that are really dirty, then you should get a machine with long, slow strokes. This will provide the necessary 'activation' while not over-stressing the fibres.
If energy - for heating water or drying clothes is important, then a FL is the only way to go. Same if you have allergy problems with detergents. Way less water, energy, detergent - but way more time.
Make a list and see what is your top priority.
If you have to buy new and US built, then be sure to get an extended warranty. Sears and GE do a good job there - Bosch not so good, Whirlpool, well let's not and say we didn't.
In the end, all modern machines wash well.
The real questions are:
How much damage do you want done to your clothes?
Do you have a reliable service/parts provider close to you? - all modern US machines break more or less continuously.
Do you need to save water/energy/detergent?
If you have a good repairperson for Whirlpool nearby, than even that most-horrid-of-all-brands is the best choice - because you can get it repaired fast. It will break often, of course.
If you have no or only limited access to repair/parts in your area, then you should think very very hard about either pre-90's Maytags or, if new, LG, Miele or Bosch.
Any of the four will run forever without trouble.
If you wash a lot of delicates or your clothes need to last a long time - but are also very dirty, then your best choice is a front loader with water heater built in. Takes longer, but is gentle and cleans best.
If you wash normal clothes that aren't really too dirty, then it doesn't matter too much whether short or long strokes - the clothes will be in the machine for too short of a time for it too matter. But if you have normal clothes that are really dirty, then you should get a machine with long, slow strokes. This will provide the necessary 'activation' while not over-stressing the fibres.
If energy - for heating water or drying clothes is important, then a FL is the only way to go. Same if you have allergy problems with detergents. Way less water, energy, detergent - but way more time.
Make a list and see what is your top priority.
If you have to buy new and US built, then be sure to get an extended warranty. Sears and GE do a good job there - Bosch not so good, Whirlpool, well let's not and say we didn't.
Maybe horrid to you. Not so in my experiences with the brand and i am sure millions of others.
How long Panthera have you been out of the u.s.? We all have a right to our opinions. I like many brands of machine, but i have had nothing but great service from the WP products i have owned/own.
This current Kenmore TL i have now has not needed any repairs (knock on wood) in the three years it has been in use.
For better or worse, these direct drive washers from WP have proven extremely reliable over the years.
The sales figures confirm it.
This current Kenmore TL i have now has not needed any repairs (knock on wood) in the three years it has been in use.
For better or worse, these direct drive washers from WP have proven extremely reliable over the years.
The sales figures confirm it.
What gets discarded
Over the years, I have looked at junk stores and repair shops to see what no one wanted. When I drive by any repair shop and survey the junkers in the yard, Kenmore outnumbers them all. I realize the plastic coupler is a weak link that disables many washers. I assume owners get rid of them before dealing with the "Sears from Hell" repair system. The Kenmore and Whirplool do a super job, I have a Sears unit that came with my condo> The sound of the clacking agitator makes me mental and it is going to be history in short order. There are quieter, equally dependable machines with easier access to parts and service than Sears.
Kelly
Over the years, I have looked at junk stores and repair shops to see what no one wanted. When I drive by any repair shop and survey the junkers in the yard, Kenmore outnumbers them all. I realize the plastic coupler is a weak link that disables many washers. I assume owners get rid of them before dealing with the "Sears from Hell" repair system. The Kenmore and Whirplool do a super job, I have a Sears unit that came with my condo> The sound of the clacking agitator makes me mental and it is going to be history in short order. There are quieter, equally dependable machines with easier access to parts and service than Sears.
Kelly
My washer is in a basement, so the sound does not really bother me if i even notice it at all. Older Norges, now that was a machine that was incredibly noisy, but they washed well.
panthera
Well-known member
23 years
Pat,
I left in 83. I admit to strong opinions and deep prejudices. I love unimatics and am fascinated by the whole range of real Frigidaire washers. But am no great fan of the rollermatic series.
I think the modern Whirlpool ranges and microwaves (imported and rebadged) are outstanding examples of how to do things right. What they did to Bauknecht, however, is beyond description.
I still think my advice is good: If the only service close to you is for Whirlpool, then by all means buy one of their products -
I don't want to hijack this thread to say anything else on this topic. Tell you what, drop me an e-mail, I'll be happy to hear from you. We can discuss my irrational feelings (or maybe not so irr-).
Pat,
I left in 83. I admit to strong opinions and deep prejudices. I love unimatics and am fascinated by the whole range of real Frigidaire washers. But am no great fan of the rollermatic series.
I think the modern Whirlpool ranges and microwaves (imported and rebadged) are outstanding examples of how to do things right. What they did to Bauknecht, however, is beyond description.
I still think my advice is good: If the only service close to you is for Whirlpool, then by all means buy one of their products -
I don't want to hijack this thread to say anything else on this topic. Tell you what, drop me an e-mail, I'll be happy to hear from you. We can discuss my irrational feelings (or maybe not so irr-).
My grandmother had a Whirlpool Design 2000, the original Whirlpool release of the direct-drive design. She had it from about 1985 until 1999 (when I passed a 1991 KitchenAid on to her) and it never had any repairs, not even the coupler replaced. We sold it as a used machine, the buyer was thrilled to get it. I replaced the coupler in the KitchenAid in early 2004, which was the first and only repair it has had, but it now is an extra machine we have and has not been used since late-summer 2004.
That digital GE dryer is a spiffy looking thing. I have to admit they sound solid when you slam their doors, just like a European car. From the look of them, they are the direct heirs of the GE dryer line--no outsourced parts. CU (if anyone cares) has consistently high rated them.
The washers piss me off so much I won't even look at them. It still infuriates me that they just threw away 50 years of industrial design to sell out to Sears. F--k Jack Welch and his group of ass-kissers.
The washers piss me off so much I won't even look at them. It still infuriates me that they just threw away 50 years of industrial design to sell out to Sears. F--k Jack Welch and his group of ass-kissers.
cvillewasherbo
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2006
- Messages
- 171
ge dryer
i have that ge dryer shown up above--for one year this month. i've had one warranty repair--it got very noisy and squealing. i wasn't home when the repair was made but my mom said the repairman said that the factory had forgotten to put the bearings in? i love the dryer--it's quiet and fast. i especially like the ss interior and the light. it's also large, kinda hard to reach in for one sock at the very back. i would buy it again, but not a ge washer. there is a film clip somewhere on this forum of a ge tl'er in action. i saw no rollover whatsoever. rollover is important to me.
i have that ge dryer shown up above--for one year this month. i've had one warranty repair--it got very noisy and squealing. i wasn't home when the repair was made but my mom said the repairman said that the factory had forgotten to put the bearings in? i love the dryer--it's quiet and fast. i especially like the ss interior and the light. it's also large, kinda hard to reach in for one sock at the very back. i would buy it again, but not a ge washer. there is a film clip somewhere on this forum of a ge tl'er in action. i saw no rollover whatsoever. rollover is important to me.
Kelly's Clacking
Kelly, there is a thrust washer under the auger part of the agitator and there are little dogs that make it rachet. Either or both of these might need replacing. I have a KA next to the TOL washer from the early 90s and have not had anything go wrong yet. It does not get used as much as it did when new, but it still works without the drive coupler replacement.
In some cases where the coupler breaks, John has found that the motor is not aligned with the tranny and is hanging slightly downward. He thinks that if the machine is handled roughly or dropped, the motor slightly bends the mounting bracket leading to coupler failure. He realigns the motor and then puts on the commercial drive coupler which is not the black, smooth compound one, but one that is almost light gray with tire cord running through it. It is very durable, but if the motor is aligned with the tranny, the coupler is not stressed in a way that leads to premature failure. Granted, it is a shame that frame on which the motor is mounted is only marginal when it comes to ability to support the motors if the machine is dropped, especially the heavier 3 speed ones used in KAs, but once that problem is taken care of, the coupler is not as weak a link as it can be.
The main reason that so many Kenmores & Whirlpools wind up in junk piles and appliance rebuilder yards is that so many are sold and they are so simple to rebuild. But people who liked the belt drive machines usually dislike the direct drive machines and vice-versa
Kelly, there is a thrust washer under the auger part of the agitator and there are little dogs that make it rachet. Either or both of these might need replacing. I have a KA next to the TOL washer from the early 90s and have not had anything go wrong yet. It does not get used as much as it did when new, but it still works without the drive coupler replacement.
In some cases where the coupler breaks, John has found that the motor is not aligned with the tranny and is hanging slightly downward. He thinks that if the machine is handled roughly or dropped, the motor slightly bends the mounting bracket leading to coupler failure. He realigns the motor and then puts on the commercial drive coupler which is not the black, smooth compound one, but one that is almost light gray with tire cord running through it. It is very durable, but if the motor is aligned with the tranny, the coupler is not stressed in a way that leads to premature failure. Granted, it is a shame that frame on which the motor is mounted is only marginal when it comes to ability to support the motors if the machine is dropped, especially the heavier 3 speed ones used in KAs, but once that problem is taken care of, the coupler is not as weak a link as it can be.
The main reason that so many Kenmores & Whirlpools wind up in junk piles and appliance rebuilder yards is that so many are sold and they are so simple to rebuild. But people who liked the belt drive machines usually dislike the direct drive machines and vice-versa
Clackity Clack
When the plastic dogs on the agitator fail, the agitator stops racheting and the clackity clackity, stops.
Heavenly, like the scene in the Birds, when they withdraw and it is quiet.
The downside is, with out the corkscrew function you're back to a BOL straight vane with no roll over.
The clackity clack is a result of PROPER function.
I have sister in law with a Kenmore Elite and it was becoming so loud she was afraid to use it. One day it didn't wash and she called me to ask what to do.
They live in a remote location in Eastern washington and service techs can't afford the trip.
I told my brother to get a coupler and change it out.
Under inspection the coupler was fine, but the screws holding the motor had worked loose and one had sheared off. The motor was hanging by a thread.
He bought beefier (he's my brother, what would you expect!) screws, drilled out the broken one and merrily she washed awayed at the previous, normal annoying noise level.
Twice since then the noise has returned and my brother has had to retighten the motor.
I used Maytags for so many years I grew accustomed to quiet elegance.
Even my newer Norgetag Atlantis was quiet. It had a lighter breathy sound than the 806.
Kelly
When the plastic dogs on the agitator fail, the agitator stops racheting and the clackity clackity, stops.
Heavenly, like the scene in the Birds, when they withdraw and it is quiet.
The downside is, with out the corkscrew function you're back to a BOL straight vane with no roll over.
The clackity clack is a result of PROPER function.
I have sister in law with a Kenmore Elite and it was becoming so loud she was afraid to use it. One day it didn't wash and she called me to ask what to do.
They live in a remote location in Eastern washington and service techs can't afford the trip.
I told my brother to get a coupler and change it out.
Under inspection the coupler was fine, but the screws holding the motor had worked loose and one had sheared off. The motor was hanging by a thread.
He bought beefier (he's my brother, what would you expect!) screws, drilled out the broken one and merrily she washed awayed at the previous, normal annoying noise level.
Twice since then the noise has returned and my brother has had to retighten the motor.
I used Maytags for so many years I grew accustomed to quiet elegance.
Even my newer Norgetag Atlantis was quiet. It had a lighter breathy sound than the 806.
Kelly
monkeyward40
Active member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2005
- Messages
- 33
maytag vs whirlpool
i myself prefer my frigidaire toploading washer with indexing tub that aids in the washing action. It has supreme capacity, slower longer strokes so no shredding, and it is heavy duty enough to handle a double bed comforter by itself. And it is a belt drive for a 2006 model. but the only drawback is since it does not have a clutch or brake it has to have a a locking lid and that sucks on the loading and unloading of the washer.
i myself prefer my frigidaire toploading washer with indexing tub that aids in the washing action. It has supreme capacity, slower longer strokes so no shredding, and it is heavy duty enough to handle a double bed comforter by itself. And it is a belt drive for a 2006 model. but the only drawback is since it does not have a clutch or brake it has to have a a locking lid and that sucks on the loading and unloading of the washer.
Locking Intelligence
Isn't it uncanny how that lid lock switch knows how much you want in and still says no!
You can end the cycle, unplug it, change cycles and nothing, nope, nadda, not gettin in!
The ultimate masochist.
Did you hear about the sadist who said to the masochist, "Beat me, Beat me." and the masochist says, "Hell, no!"
Kelly
Isn't it uncanny how that lid lock switch knows how much you want in and still says no!
You can end the cycle, unplug it, change cycles and nothing, nope, nadda, not gettin in!
The ultimate masochist.
Did you hear about the sadist who said to the masochist, "Beat me, Beat me." and the masochist says, "Hell, no!"
Kelly
Al you used to have to do is hold the switch down with a screwdriver or something similar and the lock will slide over it and you can watch to your heart's delight. At least that's what I used to do with SQ washers at the coin-op when we took rugs there.
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